'05 ECLIPSE CD8455- Review & Pics

This is simply a thread to show the other angles/views of this headunit that one cannot see from looking at the website. My camera's auto focus is possesed, so some of the pics may not be up to par. Found it difficult to take clean shots as they dont do the deck justice , specially the night pics.

DISPLAY

The display is an improvement over the last line in terms of the vaccum illuminescent display. Its much more fluid and brighter and exhibits a much better
daytime view than the 8443->8454 models.
Through the E-iserv you can download 'whatever is clever' for the Motion Picture display, although there are 3 simple flowing graphics presets on the deck. Nothing of the sort like a race car or what not is preset on the deck, dunno why they would advertise it that way, i found it a turn off on the site. EVERYTHING is an option, which is good. The display has an off setting as well that only turns on briefly during fuction/operation and turns back off during play.

Also the track/station presets being lined on the bottom allowed for a wider display screen

Illumination options are as folows...
BLUE/RED
BLUE/GREEN
BLUE/AMBER(orange-ish)
ALL GREEN
ALL RED

ERGONOMICS/CONTROLS

This is where I feel this new Eclipse is leaps and bounds IMPROVED over the last series. Other than lacking the rubber tipped edge rotary knobs, these are the super precise. If I were to turn the volume fast , the deck responds on pace-dead on-my 8443 would lag and it would be small delay before it could catch up volume wise and it would be ridiculously sensitive and unexpectidly make adjustments for me when i'd rapidly push down to access the NonFader controls. These new knobs are nice and tight, not flimsy or cheap feeling at all.

FINALLY an easy way to locate/reach MUTE button, right on the left side of the volume knob. Same goes for the opposite side when engaged in funtions/dsp the RTN button is conveniently located dead center on side of the rotary knob, nothing in the way to confuse. I've had the deck less than 48hrs and I found myself making adjustments in/out easily, and my fingers glided along naturally.

Adjustability
Non Fader, Bass, MID, Treble controls now have a range of -6....0....+6
MP3/WMA/ memory card- i'm old school and its nothing that interests me, I've never used mp3, so i cannot comment on its use on this deck at the moment. Although the memory card allows for the use of E-iSERV's tuning tools

Remote is very responsive and up/down volume buttons are well integrated for ease of use.

SOUND

This deck is a very clean playing and dynamic deck every much so as the elder series. So I found no SQ differences in sound.

SRS-TruBass- simply a surround sound/bass engine similar to those found in the competition. Work quite well and doesnt distort speakers as heavy volume is aplied-nevertheless not my cup of tea. Although with lil' kids in the car, at very low you can jam out and have a nice full sound.

EQ- Gone are the days of 13band graphic EQ's.....now 7 band parametric on normal, 10 band on Pro mode. DSP setup allows for just about every frequency to be tuned. Quite flexible and deep. Tuning capabilityfor the PEQ-

Just to clarify, as some think the GPS is a NAVi of sorts. On these decks you basically use Eclipse's E-iSERV, download directions/map onto CD or memory stick, say you are taking a trip....

The area shot is already included when you get the HU. You just have to download directions and let it know when you make a turn to tell you where to go next. Whereas with the optional GPS($199 msrp) antenna it automatically knows that you've made the turn and proceeds to the next direction.

Cons- The trimplate that comes with these eclipse decks has been an issue as far as my metra kit is concerned. I'veinstalled other decks using the same kit and they fit fine- I had to trim the left/right outer edges , because squeezed in was putting pressure on the face, not letting the mechanized face come down for CD insertion. Also dont believe there's a way to FULLY shut off the Sub/Non-fader.
Although remote is an improvement, not as responsive of course as the manual operation. Have to tap buttons for faster adjustment, cannot hold it down as it operates slower.

FINAL thoughts:
Love the ergonomics and finally user friendly operation.
Much more tuning capability than my CD8443. It exhibits no audible turn on pops, whether powering the deck from the off , or when turning on from being left on playing(i had no such prob w/ my 8443 BTW, but aware some did). Same crystal clear performance.
It has very little competition in its price range IMO performance/value wise. 8v/55ohm preouts, 24bit DAC's, DSP/tuning galore and a now a responsive/well layed out interface. Looks? ...will always be subjective.I've grown to like the 8455 faster than it took me lo like the 8443.